Some Coffee?

Rape has become a menace. I won’t get into the social aspect of it, discussing how as a society, we are to be blamed for the same. It would be a long drawn argument. But for sure, I would like to deplore the government and the lawmakers for being in two minds over capital punishment for the rapists. Imagine social organizations pleading the case of ‘being a minor therefore can’t be hanged’ and we as a nation wasting our time entertaining these preposterous  urgings. What if one of the females belonging to the lawmaker or one of the top politicians was subjected to the same torture? Would the law or the stand still be the same? Why we have become so reactive? Why do we let another Nirbhaya case happen? And the sad part is the discrimination between the “Delhi Nirbhaya’ versus the UP one. No protest, no candle marches, nothing. Just a small news item. What is required for such protests? India Gate, cameras, media bytes or just the drive, that urge to set things right? Also, I would like to why does the media have to go to Naresh Agarwal well knowing what kind of social trash he is? Only for spicy byte to pump up the TRP?
What is wrong with us, the men folks? Have we lost our bearing? Have we lost the sense of being a man? Somewhere down the line, our parents failed to teach us that being a male was just an act of destiny, being a man should be the preferred choice and being a gentleman, for sure, a way of life. Look around you. In malls, restaurants, pubs, buses, trains, subways, roads, offices. Every place is infested with ‘male.’ (Please read male with M in upper case) Are ‘men’ becoming extinct? Ah, the gentlemen faded long back with frock coats and hats. 
Today, we desperately need more men, not males. Instead of having classes imparting futile sex education I guess we should be teaching boys how to become men rather than male. A man who is caring, considerate, kind, always places women before him, pulls up a chair for her, opens the door, protects her, pays the bill, drops her home, all this and more without letting the ‘male’ in him take over.
Phew, too much of cerebral activity. No wonder, I’m feeling exhausted. Well, now coming to my favorite topic; Narendra Modi. Don’t smile; you know how I’m in love with him. But the love is losing its sheen, though only a wee bit. It is not about him but his cronies, who are hell bent on tarnishing his image. From Vaidik to that illiterate, big-mouthed, Giriraj. I know it is not possible for Modi to control ever wagging tongue and tail. BJP is a big party. There would be some lose canons. But the problem is we voted for Modi, not for BJP. Therefore, we take every shortcoming of the party as his own.  
During the election campaign, we got so involved with him, that like foolish lovers we wrongly assumed that he would come and cleanse the rot of decades in a day.  Too tall a claim for anyone; Modi included. Modi, we still love you but please don’t test our patience. A disappointed and heart broken lover could get real nasty.
Yes, before I forget, my fourth title, Café Latte is all set for release. The teasers were on social media for the past week or so.  The response to has been good. Revealed the name of the title today itself. Advance reviews have already come in and I am feeling good. Wait; let me celebrate with another coffee. Yes, I’m back with the product of Java beans. Strong and aromatic.  Coming back to Cafe Latte, will be revealing the cover and the pre-order link in a day or two. This time for the pre-order, have tied up with a portal named www.uread.comI have been told and assured of very high service standards. Hope you wont be disappointed either.
In all probability, looking for a five city launch.  The high point? Of course me! Hahaha. Jokes apart, it will be the book. Eighteen unusual stories. I can bet my last dollar on them. You would not have read anything more powerful, hard hitting and engrossing than these.
This one is full of novelty factors. For the first time, I have included short stories of two super talented kids; Kartikey Sharma and Vasundhara Goel. I met them while conducting a writing workshop. It will be their first commercial launch. Kiddos, hope we are not sharing the royalty. Lol. All the best to you, Kartikey and Vasundhara. Secondly, this is the first time when a book is being launched with a film based on of its story. Yes, 24 Down Express; a story from Café Latte has been adapted into a short film. The curtain raiser will happen soon. The film has been directed by… kahani abhi baki hai mere dost. Wait, watch and see.

I seek your good wishes, support and love. Bless me, Café Latte, Modi, this country and even Rahul Baba and his Mata ji.